Seven people in U.S. hit by strange new swine flu.

[HarvesteR]

Well, they're reporting over 60 deaths in Mexico now, and possibly 1000 infected... for some reason the Mexican version seems to be hitting much harder than in the US (And no, it's not a healthcare problem... I've lived there for 6 months last year)

They've shut down all schools now... apparently there are no more classes until this thing is controlled  :o

I'm particularly worried, since my gf and her family lives in Mexico City   :-/

She was a bit sick earlier this week, but she's better now, so I'm thinking maybe it wasn't the same virus? or maybe it affects each person differently  :-?

Anyways... I'm really uneasy about this...

Cheers

[BFMF]

That's what vaccines are. They give you a watered down virus, so that your immune system can identify it and stop it. Then, when you get the real thing, your immune system fight it off.

Maybe in theory....

But I know way too many people who get the flu right after getting the flu shot.

I consider myself a healthy person, and rarely get sick, or get the flu. i've only had the flu a few times in the past decade, but now I get the flu with my annual flu shot.

I would rather take my chances without the shot and probably not get the flu at all, instead of take the flu shot and have the flu within a week.

That is the flu shot proving it works, I suppose.

As said, it is a watered down and weaker version. So if you get the flu from that, imagine how bad it could be to have the tough and real version.

Atleast if you do get the flu from the shot you know your body is working to make yourself immune to it.

I've had bad cases of the flu before, and I survived, so i'm pretty sure I would survive the flu without the flu shot.

I'm just not convinced that the flu shot works, or that its worth it.

[eno]

The UK government is plugging flu shots for vulnerable groups .... the elderly and those with lung diseases or other diseases that leave the immune system open to attack, also those working in health care.
I'm in one of the at risk groups, being an asthmatic, but I also don't see the point of medicating for the sake of it. I use my inhalers when necessary and antihistamine to control my allergies which cause the asthma attacks.
I get a letter every year reminding me that I can get a flu shot. Last year the letter arrived at about the time I was going for a review of my asthma medication so I took the chance to ask the doctor wether it was worth it .... his opinion a resounding NO as it only contains what they think is going to be the most prevalent strain for the season so it's no guarantee that you won't catch another strain.
His opinion for the elderly is that it was worth it as they are more vulnerable than a 43 year old asthmatic.

[Hagar]

The UK government is plugging flu shots for vulnerable groups .... the elderly and those with lung diseases or other diseases that leave the immune system open to attack, also those working in health care.

I have mixed feelings on this as my father died during the flu outbreak in 2000. I have no way of knowing if he would have caught what turned out to be a fatal illness if he'd had the flu jab. http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/6/newsid_2477000/2477943.stm

His opinion for the elderly is that it was worth it as they are more vulnerable than a 43 year old asthmatic.

Being 65 at the time I qualified for the first time this year & decided to take a chance on it. Much to my surprise I had no ill-effects & didn't catch the flu although my family (including two young grandchildren) were all laid up with it. I haven't had my customary annual cold this year either. I can't say if the flu jab made any difference.

I thought the whole idea of an immunisation programme was to eradicate a specific type of illness, like measles. This had almost been achieved in the UK until the recent scare over the MMR vaccine. I don't think flu can be eradicated in the same way as there are so many different strains.

[Fozzer]

As with most common diseases/Virus's, I avoid taking specific medication, preferring instead to let my system build up its natural protection from them...ready for next time they appear!.... [smiley=evil.gif]...!

I have my Annual letter from my Doctor, every Winter, reminding me that my 'Flu shot" is available, if I wish to take it....(which I don't).....!

Instead, I stuff myself full of Fozzers Fantastic Food, including lots of Onions, Garlic, Magic Mushrooms, Vegetables, Fruit, Cups of Tea, etc, to build up a resistance to nasty/annoying illnesses......!

I've survived for 75 Years* ...so far...

[Hagar]

I have my Annual letter from my Doctor, every Winter, reminding me that my "Flue shot" is available,

Do they inject you up the chimney?

[Fozzer]

I have my Annual letter from my Doctor, every Winter, reminding me that my "Flue shot" is available,

Do they inject you up the chimney?

Tee-Hee... ... ... ...!

...My escape route from the " ''Flu "!... ...!

Paul... ...!

[Scorpiоn]

*Fozzer's Tip Of The Day:
Keep away from "Other People + Little Children + Pigs"... ... ... ...!

Wisdom to inject into every day!

[Fozzer]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8019882.stm

Pssssssst....

..Don't invite anyone from Mexico to your outdoor garden Barbecue...... ....!

Paul... ....!

Fozzer's Tip Of The Day...

Don't Cuddle a Pig!... ...!

[charlesed]

Fozzer's Tip Of The Day...

Don't Cuddle a Pig!... ...!

Well there goes my plans for this evening...

[Fozzer]

Fozzer's Tip Of The Day...

Don't Cuddle a Pig!... ...!

Well there goes my plans for this evening...

Tee-Hee... ...!

..how about a nice Welsh Sheep?... ...

......no long-term commitments... .... ...!

Paul...G-BPLF... ... ... ...!

No "Sheep Flu" detected...so far... ...!

[Mazza]

Go my awesomely bulit up immune system

From not that hygienic living*

But I have a cold

*...See it's good to not wash your hands

[Fozzer]

Go my awesomely bulit up immune system

From not that hygienic living*

But I have a cold

*...See it's good to not wash your hands

LOL... ...!

Mazz....

Consuming your own, various "droppings" etc...is OK...No problemo!...;!

Its "Other Folks" droppings, coughing, sneezing, Poo covered hands, etc.. which give us "The Runs", etc...... ...!

Paul... ... ... ...!

Spend the next 10 years in your underground Cellar until the danger passes...and you will be OK......!

[flyboy 28]

Oink.




UH OH.

[Mushroom_Farmer]

A new study proves bacon can cure hangovers, so drink up and get revenge!
But seriously, I think the MSM is going overboard on this. CDC reports on average 36,000 people die from flu annually, and that's just the in the U.S.
Yes, the situation should be monitored, but let's not panic just yet.